Mixed Feelings Greet FCT CP Beneth Igwe’s Promotion To AIG

By

-

August 30, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Promotion at one’s place of work ought to bring joy and celebration to one’s family, associates and friends. But in the case of Beneth Igweh, Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, it is not quite joy and celebration. It is a mixed bag.

Igweh, a well grounded Police Officer, was on Friday, August 30, 2024, promoted to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police by the Police Service Commission, PSC, during the Commission’s Plenary.

He was among 8 CPs promoted to the rank of AIGs.

Ordinarily, it calls for celebration. In the Military, Police and other such uniformed institutions, including the Department of State Services, DSS, ranks matter. People look forward to the promotion of their own.

However, in Igwe’s case, the response amongst his kinsmen and Abuja residents is: “Well deserved, but why now?”

Here’s the answer.

For his kinsmen, the celebration over his appointment as FCT Commissioner of Police was brief. They see his promotion to the rank of an AIG as a kind of short-change.

Again, here’s why.

In the history of the FCT, Igweh’s appointment was the first time an Igbo man would be appointed as CP.

His kinsmen, therefore, saw his appointment as giving the Igbo a sense of belonging.

He assumed office on February 2, 2024 as the CP FCT. Barely six months down the line, he has been promoted out of the high profile office.

For FCT residents, many are lamenting the loss, through promotion, of a hardworking, rugged, competent Officer. They say he is a crime buster who gave criminals hell, and gave residents a rest of mind. “They should have left him for us”, a resident who gave his name as Bature, lamented.

However, for Igweh, it is thanks to God, the PSC, the IGP and his superiors who found him worthy of the high rank of an AIG. He is in a celebration mood and looking forward to wearing his new rank.

On assumption of office as FCT CP on February 2, Igweh pledged to go after kidnappers, “one chance” robbers, armed robbers, bandits and other criminals.

In the few months he was in office, he gave a good account of himself.

He was the 31st FCT Commissioner of Police.

Anambra: APC Goes To Court, Seeks Stoppage Of Scheduled LG Council Election

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

August 30, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, has gone to Court to seek an order to stop the scheduled Council Polls. It is scheduled for September, 28, 2024.

The party is seeking to restrain the Anambra state Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, from conducting the election based on the provisions of the amended local Government laws of the state.

Joined in the suit is the Anambra state ,House of Assembly ,which passed the controversial amendment bill.

According to the writ of summons, the APC is praying the Court to issue an order to cancel, nullify and set aside any elections conducted by the ANSIEC deriving from section 23 ,of the Anambra State Electoral Law of 2024.

In the writ filed at the State High Court, the APC is seeking an order restraining the ANSIEC, and/or its privies from giving effect to the provisions of section 23 of the Anambra state Electoral Law.

It is the contention of APC that the state amended electoral law is in direct conflict with the provisions of the Country’s Constitution and 2022 Electoral Act .

No date has been fixed for the hearing of suit.

PSC Promotes 684 Senior Police Officers ● FCT CP, Beneth Igwe, Affected, Promoted To AIG

By

The Source

-

August 30, 2024

0

The first Plenary Meeting of the new Board of the Police Service Commission, PSC, took place Friday, August 30th, 2024, with the promotion of 684 senior Police Officers.

The Meeting presided over by the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni had in attendance, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, rtd, Honourable Commissioner and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

Eight Commissioners of Police were elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police while 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to the next rank of full Commissioners of Police.

A statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, also disclosed that Chief Superintendents of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police, 525 Superintendents of Police promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police and 84 Deputy Superintendents promoted to Superintendents of Police. ASP Patrick Ebhodahe was also promoted to the next rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The eight Commissioners of Police and 15 Deputy Commissioners were subjected to some form of assessment/examination,a condition now precedent for their promotion to the new ranks.

Commission Chairman, DIG Argungu said the Officers must engage in deliberate self development through constant knowledge acquisition so as to be ready and equipped to face the challenges of 21st century policing.

DIG Argungu said henceforth, Police Officers must be subjected to formal examination before consideration for their promotion, stressing that it is a requirement imposed on all Federal civil and Public Servants by the Public Service Rules. He said the Police Officers will not be an exemption.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission must also ensure that promotions in the Police will be merit based and predictable. He assured that the Commission will not for any reason delay the promotion of deserving Officers but insisted that it must be earned.

He congratulated the promoted Officers on their new ranks but called for greater dedication to the service of their fatherland. DIG Argungu said they must be deliberate , committed and focused in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the Country and charged them to go and free the nation from all forms of insecurity.

The eight Commissioners of Police promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police are CP Benneth Igwe; Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command; Suleiman Mohammed Abdul, acting Assistant Inspector General of Police, PAB, Force Headquarters Abuja CP Augustina Nwuka Ogbodo, CP Ebonyi State Command; CP Stephen Olanrewaju, CP Admin, Works, Force Headquarters Abuja; CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, CP Abia State Command; CP Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, CP Lagos State Command; CP Adegboyega Funsho Adegboye, CP Admin, FID, Abuja and CP Mohammed Bala Labbo, CP Communication DICT Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police elevated to substantive Commissioners of Police are; DCP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, DCP State CID Taraba State Command; DCP Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, DCP DFA, Zone 5 Benin; DCP James Iroegbunam Nwokolo, DC DFA, Edo State Command; DCP Felix Nka Oben, DC Federal Operations, Force Headquarters Annex Lagos; DCP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin DC Armament, Directorate of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja; DCP Ugobueze Ogbodo, Deputy Commandant, Police Detective College Enugu; DCP Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, DC Department of Operations, Zone 11 Osogbo and DCP Taylor Lennox Olarewaju, DC, CCR, Lagos State.

Others are; DCP Sa’adatu Ismaila, DC Anti Human Trafficking Annex Lagos; DCP Olabode Adeleye Akinbamilowo, Deputy Force Secretary (DFS11), DCP Regina Cosmas Udoette, DC Department of Finance and Admin, Akwa Ibom State Command; DCP Francis Omatimeyin Gbiwen, DC, State CID Edo state Command; DCP Afolabi Wilfred Olatokunbo, DC Department of Finance and Admin, Delta State Command; DCP Ohiozoba Oyakhire Ehiede Acting CP Legal, FCID Force Headquarters Abuja and DCP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, DC, Department of Finance and Admin FID.

The Commission has conveyed its approval to the Inspector General of Police for Implementation and further necessary action.

Anambra: Ogene Condemns Violent Attack on Ogbaru LGA Hqts, Urges Gov Soludo To Prioritise Security

By

James Orji

-

August 30, 2024

0

The Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has strongly denounced the brutal attack on the Atani headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State. He described the incident as “utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome”.

In the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024, unknown gunmen launched a ferocious assault on the LGA headquarters, setting it ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported that around 30 heavily armed assailants, who were said to have accessed the vicinity from the Umuzu and Amiyi axis, stormed the facility with guns and dynamites. The attack resulted in the destruction of buildings and vehicles within the complex.

In a statement issued in Awka, the state capital, on Friday, Ogene expressed deep concern and condemnation over the senseless violence in Ogbaru Local Government Area. He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.

Ogene lamented that the recurring violent killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling morbid fears and trepidation among the residents. He emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the affected communities.

According to Ogene, the persistent violence and criminality in Ogbaru Local Government Area are alarming, despite repeated calls for government action. He stated, “It is worrisome that despite numerous appeals to the government to address insecurity in Ogbaru, we continue to witness avoidable incidents of violence and criminality.”

He revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, but their pleas have been ignored. He emphasized that he had personally alerted the Governor about the growing insecurity and the need to address the root causes, including the Ogwuaniocha communal crisis, but his warnings have gone unheeded.

“In fact, I am aware that earlier this year, the traditional rulers of Ogbaru had, in a memo to Governor Soludo, lamented the siege on their people and suggested the siting of security outposts around the junctions leading into Amiyi and Ogwuaniocha communities.

“Similarly, only two months ago, the Head of Local Government Administration(HLGA) in Ogbaru, Mr. Ike Alphonsus, in a similar memo to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs drew attention to the parlous security situation in Ogbaru,” Rep Ogene said.

He stated that as a lawmaker, he has taken steps to address the issue, moving a motion titled “Urgent Need to Rescue Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra From the Jaws of Violent Criminal Gangs.” The motion highlighted the takeover of the community by criminal gangs, resulting in the displacement of residents, untold hardship, and fear; and has every given opportunity drawn Governor Soludo’s attention to the plight of his people.

Ogene’s statement underscores the need for immediate government action to address the security crisis in Ogbaru and protect the lives and properties of the people.

He emphasized: “The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property. A democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. We cannot allow criminality to pervade our land as if we live in an ungoverned territory. All individuals who value peace and progress must unite and condemn these faceless violent criminals who hide behind anonymity.

“The current policy of leaving hapless citizens to take care of their security is clearly unworkable. While individual communities are expected to contribute their own quota in securing their environment, their overall security and well-being remains the primary purpose of government – one which the Governor Soludo administration cannot keep shying away from.

“I urge Governor Soludo to take decisive action, assume leadership, and protect our people from further devastation in Ogbaruland. The time for intervention is now.”

Sea Incursion: Ondo Youths Call For State Of Emergency In Ilaje Community

By

Ayodele Oni

-

August 30, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

Youths, in the coastal area of Ondo State, have pleaded with the Federal and State Governments to save Ayetoro community in Ilaje Local Government Area from total extinction due to sea incursion.

The youths appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a state of emergency over the incessant sea incursion ravaging the community.

Spokesman for the youths, Thompson Akingboye, pointed out that “More than 5,000 people have been displaced, landlords have become tenants in their hometown, and many people are left without a home, sleeping wherever they can.

“On behalf of Ayetoro community, we demand for a shoreline protection project to extricate the community from sliding into extinction.”

According to him, the ocean surge has wrecked havoc on the theocratic community, destroying properties worth billions of naira, including more than seven hundred residential houses, schools, shrines, maternity centres, and other small-scale factories established by the community.

Ayetoro community is an oil-producing community located along the coastline of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State in Nigeria.

The community, which is located 150km east of Lagos State, came into prominence in the 1950s and 1960s after achieving self-sustenance through sheer communitarian cooperation driven by an ideology rooted in the principle of faith and work.

Due to its landmark achievements in self-sustenance through communalism, it quickly became a national and international reference point for rapid development, thereby attracting visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

It is renowned for its tech-driven communal development, unique Christian living, and for putting Nigeria in the comity of boat-building nations. It was a hub of tourism before the discovery of oil.

Ayetoro lived in peace and serenity until oil attracted the government. The land was distorted, the sea rose, and began to intrude into the town. Houses have gone, people are dying.

In recent years, the community has faced incessant sea attacks, which have on many occasions resulted in the rapid destruction of properties worth billions of naira and the forceful relocation of several indigenes due to the destruction of over seven hundred houses, including schools, factories, and maternity centres.

The land continues to be eroded, houses continue to collapse into the sea, and people continue to die.

Well-meaning indigenes and groups have staged several protests and petitions to the government at all levels, yet nothing has been done.

Osun Set To Generate Own Electricity, Draft Bill Ready

By

Ayodele Oni

-

August 30, 2024

0

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Government is working on plans to generate electricity for use by the people of the State.

Already, a draft electricity bill and policy, which would expand power generation and distribution is being formulated.

The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, disclosed this while flagging off the Obokun 33kV Feeder Line from Osunjela to Ilesa-West Local Government Secretariat in Ilesa

The Governor expressed the hope that the frameworks, when finally passed into law, would transform Osun’s electricity sector.

Adeleke expressed the hope that the draft electricity bill and policy, when passed into law, would expand power generation and distribution and transform Osun’s electricity sector.

The Governor expressed delight that the feeder line project, which had been abandoned for 11 years by previous administrations, has now been completed and relocated to alleviate the challenges faced by the four local government areas it is intended to serve.

“As a government committed to the welfare of the people, it is our priority to bring economic light to the people of Osun State.

“We have a robust plan to transform the state’s energy and electricity market through appropriate policy and legislation.

“I am therefore pleased to reiterate that Osun has a draft electricity bill and policy which will expand power generation and distribution

“The policy and bill, when finally passed into law, will change the face of Osun’s electricity sector.

“Being so blessed with many rivers and solar assets, we will generate our electricity. We will issue licences to those capable of generating electricity.

“We will regulate our power distributor, the Ibadan DISCO. We will manage the relationship between power generators and purchasers. The new plan will create a regulatory agency for the state’s power sector.

“I commend the Ministry of Energy for doing a good job in developing the policy and proposed legislation. We must follow up to ensure its early passage.

“Ahead of the passage, I am further directing the Ministry to develop an implementation plan with timelines and deliverables. Stakeholders must be fully involved in the process for a sustainable outcome.

“We are acting quickly in the energy sector because power supply is the engine room of economic growth.

“Regular power supply boosts economic activities. Our vision is for Osun State to be self-sufficient in power supply and to export to neighbouring states.”

Anambra: Gunmen Raze Ogbaru LG Headquarters In Early Morning Attack

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

August 30, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewehi

The Headquarters of Ogbaru local Council, Anambra State, was, in the wee hours of Friday, August 30, 2024, attacked and razed by some unknown gunmen.

Set ablaze in the attack said to have been carried out by no fewer than 25 armed men at about 5.00 am, were some administrative blocks and town hall used as the Secretariat of Traditional Rulers in the Council.

There were, however, no casualties, in the attack said to be the second in less than eight weeks.

The Local Government headquarters and some communities were reportedly attacked same way on June 15, 2024.

Similarly, no conceivable reasons behind the early morning attack and information concerning the probable masterminds have been adduced.

But witnesses, particularly, locals, noted that the attackers, early Friday morning, emerged from nearby bushes, chanting war songs, stormed the Council Secretariat, and started shooting sporadically.

The thick sounds of gun shots from the scene of the attack was said to have forced nearby residents to scamper for safety.

While the Anambra State Government was yet to react officially to the development as at the time of reporting, the State Police Command which confirmed the incident, also, said operatives confronted and repelled the attack.

In a statement, the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, noted that while security personnel successful resisted the gunmen, some properties, including buildings, were destroyed.

He confirmed that no lives were lost in the attack.

The Source reports that ever since the Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s Government announced preparations for the first Local Council Polls in more than a decade, the political temperature of the State has risen to, almost, a boiling point.

It has been a story of displays of brazen desperation and impunity both on the sides of the Government and opposition camps.

Not a few are of the conviction that more of such violent disposition, as unleashed on the Ogbaru Council Secretariat, may unfold in the count down to the Local Government Election billed for September 28, 2024.

Obi Blasts anti-Yoruba Lady, Says Tribal Bigotry Is Divisive, Anti-development

By

The Source

-

August 30, 2024

0

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi has condemned in strong terms the anti-Yoruba utterances of a Canadian lady describing it as bigotry taken too far.

Obi said that such divisive comments should not find a place in our society and should be rejected by everyone.

Writing on his X handle on Friday Obi said “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a purported Igbo woman living in Canada against Yoruba or Benin people. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.

“As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges, rather than allowing tribalism and hatred to tear us apart.

“What does tribal bigotry achieve? Does it lift people out of poverty? Does it reduce the cost of bread, rice, garri or yam, in the market? Does it improve our transportation system or enhance the electricity supply? Does it ensure good governance? The answer is a resounding NO!!

“Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or ethnicity. We need leaders who have the competence and capability to move the country forward in the right direction, and better life for all citizens. We don’t care about the tribe of the plane’s pilot or the bus driver; all we need is competent leadership that delivers results.

“Let us focus on what truly matters: building a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria for all. We must reject tribalism and embrace our shared humanity, working together towards a new Nigeria that is POssible!

Gunmen Invade School, Kill Three Children In Yobe State

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

August 30, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Gunmen have invaded Faudiya School in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, and killed, at least, three students.

The school is reported to belong to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria — a Shi’ite sect, which has confirmed the death of the Students.

The gunmen, whose identities have not been ascertained – whether they are members of the Boko Haram sect, insurgency group, or bandits, rode into the school premises on motorbikes, wielding AK-47 rifles.

Confirming the incident, Yobe State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, said the police “received a distress call that some hoodlums came on motorbikes with AK-47 rifles and then entered into the school and shot dead three.” He added that one of the students who was injured has been taken to an undisclosed hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Abdulkarim also noted that a teacher who was in the school managed to escape and told the Police that there was no sort of confrontation with any member of any armed groups, saying, “It came to him (the teacher) as a surprise.”

Abdulkarim added that an investigation has commenced as the Police are working to “unravel who is behind it, the purpose and credible witnesses who might have seen the incident.”

Onyeka Onwenu Goes Home

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

August 30, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Exactly a month after she passed, the funeral rites of popular, versatile artist, Onyeka Onwenu began in the morning of Friday, August 30, with a Service of songs at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos

August 30, 2024. It will end in the efternoon in the afternoon when her remains will be buried at the Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi, Lagos.

It is not known why the family of the Arondizogu, Imo State-born Musician, Actress, Song writer, Broadcaster and more chose to bury her in Ikoyi, Lagos, instead of her beloved Arondizogu where her parents both of whom she revered no end were buried.

In her lifetime, Onyeka was very proud of her Arondizogu, and had sought, at least, two times, unsuccessfully, to be its Local Government Chairperson.

However, the funeral of the Star Artist is in tandem with her request from her Children, long before her passing, to be buried not too long after her demise, and without much mourning or fanfare. She only wished to be celebrated by family and friends.

The elegant stallion as she was fondly called passed the on 30th day of July 2024, at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where she was rushed to on collapse, after she performed at the 80th birthday party held in honour of Mrs Stella Okoli, the Chairman/Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

She died at the age of 72 and survived by her two sons, and other family members.